Method of scalping billets



March 2, 1943. A. OBERHOFFKEN 2,312,355

METHOD OF SCALPING BILLETS Original Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet lM/exa naer 0621/? i g 6 fad M4! f 1 J O q s w Q mm March 1943- A.OBERHOFFKEN 2,312,355

METHOD OF SCALPING BILLETS Original Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 2mad m/e xander Oberho/Ci en A Pm adv-C F0 T-rora sx's March 2, 1943. A.OBERHOFFKEN METHOD OF SCALPING BILLETS Original Filed July 21; 1938 9Sheets-Sheet 4 y e a i o a w 5d o F o, M W

e mp m u I 4 v 5g 8 Q Q \u k m M 7 March Z, 1943. AQOBERHOFFKEN 2,

- METHOD OF SCALPING BILLEIfS Original Filed July 21, 1958 9Sheets-Sheet 5 04/8 0 de Ob m 41 3%" imd.

A. OBERHOFFKEN METHOD OF SCALPING BILLB'I'S Original Filed July 21, 19389 Sheets-Sheet 6 EINTO C4/excmggrfi A .w z i gaagg v er 0 en js/ M 8639M M, Ka -n March 2, 1943. A. OBERHOFFKEN 2,312,355

METHOD OF SCALPI'NG BILLETS Original Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet7 meg M/exander ObQrfiO/X/L en 2, WW4, M... iv.

T TO PQQYS March 2, 1943. A. OBERHOFFKEN A 2,312,355

4 METHOD OF SCALPING BILLETS Original Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet8 March-2, 1943. I A. OBERHOFFKEN 2,312,355

- NETHQD OF SCAILPINGI B-ILLETS Origihal Filed July 21, 1933 9Sheets-Sheet 9 I 43 r i2;

iNvaNToL-l C4/excm0'erammo/# I TOR N 76 V Figs. V to views showingPatented Mar. 2, 1943 METHOD OF SCALPING BILLETS Alexander Oberhofiken,Birmingham, Mich as- Signor D y,

Original application July now Patent No.

to The Ingersoll Milling Machine Com- Rockford, 111., a corporation ofIllinois 21, 1938, Serial No. 2,238,434, dated April 15, 1941. Dividedand this application August 1, 1940, Serial No. 349,172

6 Claims. (Cl. 90-11) The invention relates to the machining of metalwork pieces, and more particularly to the surfacing or scalping of metalbars, such as billets, ingots, slabs, and other semi-finished products,to prepare them for subsequent rolling, drawing or other formingoperations.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedmethod for scalping the side surfaces and beveling the corners of metalbars of generally rectangular cross sec-.

tion, whereby such bars may be prepared for subsequent formingoperations in a minimum of time and at relatively low cost.

manner in which longitudinally tapered billets Another object istojprovide an improved method of scalplng metal bars quickly andefficiently and with a minimum of handling.

More specifically stated, the improved method aims to permit ofinsertion of rough billets into loading position, the removal offinished billets, or the performance of various preparatory operationson partially finished billets while one billet is being machined or isoccupying the final work positioning, thereby increasing the productioncapacity of the equipment used.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodimentillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a frontend elevation of one form of scalping apparatus in which the improvedmethod may be carried out.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the billet transfer and turningmechanism taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear end elevation of the machine. 4

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the billet turning mechanismtaken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig.4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section of the turning mechanism takenalong the line 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary vertical section of they turning mechanismtaken on the line of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the hydraulic means for'operating the. transfer mechanism, the turning mechanism, and'the billetclamping mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic operating an controlcircuits of the machine.

19, inclusive, are diagrammatic e various steps in'the improved wherebythe billets can be method of scalping and beveling billets in accordancewith the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view showing the various kinds of billets andit has been shown,

and will be described as applied to the scalping and beveling of bars orbillets 25 (Figs. 3 and 10-19) of substantially square cross section.This operation involves the machining or scalping of all four sides ofthe bar to remove slag, hard scaly particles or other surfaceirregularities andmachining or beveling of corners which tend to producefolds or seams in the finished product.

.The apparatus the scalping generally a metal removing unit such as amilling machine of conventional construction and a billet handlingmechanism assembled together in a unitary structure. To obtain maximumefficiency, it is preferred to employ a metal removing unit having twotool heads arranged to operate simultaneously on opposite sides of thework piece and thus finish two side surfaces and two corners of the workpiece in each passage of the same through the unit.

Bars or billets of the type for which the pres- I ent machine isdesigned are large and relatively heavy, and the handling of such barshas heretofore been a slow and expensive operation. To avoid thesedifliculties, the billet handling mechanism is accordingly arranged forpower operation and preferably includes power-actuated transfer,positioning, and turning mechanisms efficiently by a minimum number ofattendants.

Referring to Fig'kl of the removing unit of the machine selected forillustration comprises a base consisting of side frames 3| and 3|disposed on opposite sides of an elongated central frame section 32. Thesection'32 forms a bed for a translatory table or work support 33 whichbed extends forwardly to provide a loading station at which the workpieces may be placed on and removed from the table. -In the particularmachine shown, the table 33 is supported for reciprocationlongitudinally of the bed by means of tubular guides .34. table i drivens'ele herein shown for carrying out I and beveling operation compriseshandled quickly and drawings, the metal Preferably, the tively in eitherdirection at a rapid traverse or at a slow feed by a rapid traversemotor 36 and a feed motor 36* through a speed reduction mechanism 35,suitable gearing 31 and a screw 3'l which cooperates with a nut 38attached to the table.

Mounted to slide horizontally on the respective frame sections 3| and 31on opposite sides of the work table 33 rearwardly of the loading stationare a pair of multiple spindle tool heads 4| and 4|. The tool head 4| isequipped with a face. milling cutter 42 driven by a, motor 36 and anangular or beveled milling cutter 43 driven by a. motor 44 in well knownmanner. The cutter 42 is mounted on the head for independent axialadjustment and the cutter 43 is adjustable axially as well as verticallyto determine the amount of bevel. The position of the cutters is suchthat the cutter 42 removes a thin layer of metal from the side surfaceof the work piece while the cutter 43 bevels the adjacent lower edge asthe work piece is traversed past the tools. The head is thus supportedfor movement toward and from the table 33 to permit retraction of thetools when the table is returned to the loading station. In the machineillustrated, movement of the head is effected by apiston 45 operating ina cylinder 46 and operatively connected with the head by a piston rod41. Similar mechanism including a piston cylinder 46? and piston rod41'- is provided for the right-hand head 4 l Pressure fluid.

is supplied to the cylinders 46 and 46 by a pressure fluid pump 48 (Fig.9) under control of a valve V--l having a 'plunger 49 shiftable toaltemate positions by solenoids VS-I and VS2.

A similar valve Vl= actuated by solenoids VS-l and VS2 controls thesupply of pressure fluid to cylinder 46 of the right-hand head 4|.

The right-hand head 4| is equipped with cut-' ters 42 and 43 similar tothe cutters 42 and 43 and driven by suitable motors 39 and 44. It

will be observed, however, that the relative positions of the cutters 42and'43 differ from the positions of the cutters on the head 4| in thatthe angular cutter 43 is disposed above the axis of the cutter,42 so asto operate on the adjacent upper edge of the work piece. Thisarrangement of the tools makes it possible to machine the four sides andthe four corners of the billet in two passes of the billet past themetal removing units,-

the billet being turned on its longitudinal axis through an angle ofninety degrees after the first passage. Other arrangements of thecutters may, of course, be employed.

Suitable means is provided for carrying away the metal chips removedfrom the work pieces. As herein shown, this means comprises a pair ofconveyors, preferably of 'the endless chain type having vanes 50 and 50operating in channelshaped metal troughs 5| and 5| arranged on oppositesides of the central frame section 32 below the side edges of the Worktable 33 as shown in Figs. 1 and 6. These conveyors may be driven in anysuitable manner so as to keep the metal removing unit free of chipswhile the machine is in operation,

In order to hold the work rigid while, the cut- 1 ters of the metalremoving unit are performing their scalping and beveling operations, thework table 33 may be equipped with a suitable fixture to accommodatedifferent sizes of billets, bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to thetable 33. The

for supporting the-workpiece. Rising from opposite ends of the base arevertical columns 54 and 55 connected at their upper ends by a rigidhorizontal bridging member 56 which serves to support the work clamping.The bridging member is disposed above the platform 53 and spacedtherefrom so as to provide sufllciert room for a billet 25 to be placedon the platform.

While the billets may be clamped on the table in a y desired way, it ispreferred to utilize an hyd aulically-operated mechanism. As shown inFigs. 1, 3, and 9, the clamping means comprises a series of verticallydisposed plungers 51, each guided for movement toward and from theplatform 53 by a bearing 58 carried on the bridging member 56. Eachplunger 51 is connected by a piston' rod 59 with a piston operating in acylinder 60 closed by a cap 6| bolted or otherwise secured to thebridging member 56 directly above the associated bearing 58. Seven ofthe plungers 51 and associated cylinders 60 are provided in the machineillustrated (see Fig. 8), although it will be understood'that the numbermay be varied according to the character of the work pieces to beoperated on. a

Pressure fluid issupplied to the cylinders 66 by a pressure fluid pump62 (Fig. 9) under control of a valve V2 having a plunger 63 shiftable toeither {of two positions by solenoids VS--3 and VS-4l Thus, when thevalve plunger is shifted 'to one position by the solenoid VS-3, pressurefluid is introduced into the upper end' of the cylinders 66 and theplungers are forced downwardly into engagement with the work piece 25 asshown in Fig. 3, to clamp the same rigidly to the platform 53. Torelease the work piece, the valve plunger 63 is shifted to its otherposition by the solenoid.VS-4 whereby pressure fluid is introduced intothe lower end of each cylinder 66 to withdraw the plungers fromengagement with the work. A check valve 64 interposed in the hydrauliccircuit leading to the lower ends of the clamping cylinders serves tocounteract the weight of the pistons, rods and plungers.

The billet-handling mechanism is constructed and arranged so as topermit large and heavy billets to be handled with ease with a minimumnumber of attendants. To this end, it includes suitable runways orconveyors alongside the table bed for carrying billets to and from theloading station, power operated means for transferring billets betweenthe runways andthe work table, and means for turning the billets ontheir longitudinal axes through an angle of ninety degrees so that thedifferent side surfaces may be presented in operative relation to thetools of the metal removing units.

that is, the. table when retracted away from the metal removing units.For convenience of identification, the loading units 66 and 66 will bereferred to hereinafter as the left hand unit and right hand unit,respectively. While the operating units are structurally separate in.the present instance, their actions are coordinated to enable them tocooperate in transferring the work pieces to and from the worktabl 33and in positioning the work accurately thereon for proper engagementwith the metal working tools.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and" 7, the left-hand unit 66, as herein shown,comprises generally a rigid frame or base 6! which serves as a supportwork table 38.

asiasss for a billet conveyor or runway, billet transfer mechanism, andbillet turning mechanism. In order to accommodate billets of differentthickness, the operating unit as a whole is preferably adiustablysupported for movement toward or from the work table 83. To thi's'end,the base 81 is mounted on transverse ways 88 formed on the forward endof the frame section 8| at one side of the loading station. A scale (notshown) is provided to enable the base to beset for a billet of selectedsize.

Adjustment of the left-hand unit is effected, in the present instance,by meansof a nut 88 cooperating with a screw 18 anchored to the framesection. 8|. The nut is held against endwise movement relative to theoperating unit by vertical webs 1| and II depending from the undersideof the base 81 and engaging the opposite ends of the nut. The peripheryof the nut is ually through the medium of a handwheel 18" 4 formed withteeth 12, thus constituting a worm (Fig. 6). fast on one end of a shaft18which carries a bevel gear 11 meshing with a bevel gear 18 keyed tothe shaft 14. Thus, by turning the handwheel 15, the base 81 and theentire operating unit 88 may be moved toward or from the The conveyor orrunway, which also constitutes an element of the operating unit, isprovided for moving billets into position for loading on the work table,and likewise for receiving billets after discharge from the machine. Ashere- ,in shown, the runway is disposed generally centrally of the base81 and parallel to the reciprocatory path of the work table 83. Tofacilitate movement of the billets into or out of loading position, therunway is preferably equipped with rollers 8| journaled on angularbrackets 82 and 88 bolted or otherwise secured to the base 81. Anysuitable means, such as a conveyor or the like, may be utilized fordelivering billets to the runway and for removing them therefrom.

Movement of a billet'into proper loading position on the rollers 8| islimited by a stop 8| (Fig. 2).

The structure above described for the lefthand unit 88 is duplicated inthe right-hand unit 68 and a detailed description of the latter unit istherefore unnecessary. However, for convenience of identificationcorresponding parts of the unit 68'- have been designated by similarreference characters with the suffix a added.

The transfer of billets from the runway to the work table and vice versais effected by the transfer mechanism which, as -herein shown, comprisesa series of transfer members in the form of push rods 84 (Figs. 1 and 7)supported on the base 81 at one side of the runway for movement in ahorizontal plane transversely of the runway.

The push rods are all alike, each comprising an elongated body ofgenerally rounded cross section having rack teeth "out in one side for apurpose to be described presently. The forward end of the push rod,thatis, the end adjacent the runway, terminates in a removable tip 88(Fig. 21) preferably rounded so as not-to mar the surface of the work.Since the tips are removable, they may be readily replaced when worn, ortips of different lengths may be used interchangeably to adapt themechanism for transferring and positioning billets of different sizesand shapes.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and integrally with a housing 88secured to the base 81 at one side of the runway. Preferably, thehousings 88 of the respective push rods are secured in place on the baseby means of headed bolts operating in T-slots 88 which permit convenientadjustment of the relative spacing of the rods. The transfer mechanismcan therefore be adjusted readily for operation on billets of differentlengths. In order to protect the hearing surfaces of the push rods fromdirt or other foreign matter and" for purposes of safety, the rearwardlyprojecting ends of the rods are enclosed in tubular casings 88projecting outwardly from the bearings 81.

Common actuating means is provided for ad-* vancing and retracting thepush rods 84 in unison. To this end, a shaft 8| is arranged transverselyabove the series of push rods, said shaft being journaled in each of thehousings 88. Enclosed in each housing and having a splined drivingconnection with the shaft 8| is a pinion 82 meshing with the rack teeth88 of the associated push rod. Thus, uponrotation of the shaft 8| in onedirection, the push rods will be advanced or projected toward the runwayand work table whileupon rotation of the shaft in the other directionthe rods will be retracted.

While any suitable actuator may be employed for rotating the shaft 8|,it is preferred to employ hydraulic means for this purpose for thereasons hereinbefore explained. Herein, the actuator comprises a piston88 (Fig. 6) operating in a vertically disposed cylinder 84 secured to adepending portion 88 of the rear web 1| of the base81. The piston 83' isconnected by a piston rod 88 with a rack 81 slidably supported andguided in a suitable bearing 88 carried on a bracket 88 projectingupwardly from the base 81. The rack 81 is arranged to mesh with a pinionI88 keyed to the shaft 8|. A tubular sleeve or guard |8| encloses theupper end of the rack to protect the bearing surfaces from dirt or otherforeign material.

Pressure'fluid is supplied to the cylinder 84 by the pump 48 undercontrol of a reversing valve 5 valve plunger I82 to th otherposition,.pressure fluid introduced into the upper end of the cylindermoves the piston in the opposite direction to advance the push rodstoward the work table whereby to push the billet from the runway ontothe table. A stop screw I83 carried by-the rack 81 engageable with afixed stop I84 on the frame structure serves to limit the upward strokeof the piston and thus determines the extent of rearward movement of thepush rods; This limit positionmay be adjusted as required by varying theposition of the screw I83. The outward movement of the push rods 84 isdetermined by a stop screw I88 attached to the upper end of I the rack81 (Fig. l) which also cooperates with the stop I84 thus confining thetravel of the push rods within fixed limits.

A separate control valve V-3- is provided for controlling the supply. ofpressure fluid to the cylinder 84* for advancing and retracting the pushrods 84 of the companion operating unit upper edges of the rollers 8|.

plunger I02! adapted to be shifted between two positions in timedrelation to the operation of the other valves of the machine; Thetransfer mechanism, ,in addition to their transfer function, are alsoutilized to position the work piece or billet on the work table and tohold it securely in'position until the billet clamping means is broughtinto action. To this end, the push rods of each operating unit areinitially advanced to engage a billet, and then the pressure on one setof push rods is partially relieved to enable the other set to move thework into the desired final position. Sumcient pressure is maintained onsaid one set 'of push rods to hold v the work securely in contact withthe ends of of the operating cylinder 94 as will appear presently.

- The billet turning mechanism which constitutes the third mechanism ofthe operating unit is preferably disposed between the billet runway andthe loading station of the metal removing unit so that billets can betransferred from one to the other by simply shifting them laterally. Theturning mechanism in its preferred form comprises a series of radiallyextending arms I01 and I08 arranged in'opposed pairs upon a common rockshaft I09 as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 6, '1, and 8. As herein shown, theshaft I09 extends generally parallel to the billet runway and isjournaled in suitable bearings carried by brackets II bolted orotherwise rigidly secured to a horizontally disposed shelf or ledge IIIprojecting from the forward end of the base 91. The shaft is sopositioned that the arms I01 when rocked to a horizontal position extendacross the runway with their upper surfaces disposed in a plane slightlybelow the plane defined by the With the arms in this position, billetsmay be moved along the runway without interference from the turningmechanism.

The companion arms I 03 of the several pairs are arranged to extendacross the gap between the runway and the work receiving platform 53 andthe table 33. They thus provide a slideway for the transfer of billetslaterally of their lengths from the runway onto the table. As will. beseen by reference to Fig. 6, the arms I00 are formed with a flange orbearing surface II2 along one edge, which flange is adapted to lie inthe same plane as the rollers 8| and the table platform 53 when the armis rocked to a horizontal position as shown in'Fig. 1. In order tosupport the arm in this position and to avoid placing undue strain uponthe shaft I09 and associated parts,

the arm is formed with an abutment II3 adapted to rest on a supportingbracket Ill carried on the ledge III.

When the turning mechanism is used for tuming billets, the arms I01 andI 08 of each pair are preferably anjgularly spaced ninety degrees apartso that one arm serves to lift the billet from its resting place, whilethe other arm prevents the billet from sliding out of position duringthe turning operation and also acts to lower the billet in a manner such"as to prevent marring of the same or damage to the machine. In order toprevent the arms from interfering with the transfer of billets. from therunway to the work tableand vice 'versa, means is provided'whereby .30.':This valve; like the .valve"V3, has a both arms ma be positionedsimultaneously. in the same horizontal plane as shown in Fig. 1. To

this end, one arm of each pair is disengageably associated with theshaft I09 while the other arm may be rigidly secured to the shaft.

In the particular mechanism shown in Figs. 2 and,4, the arm I00 of eachpair is keyed to the shaft I09, while the arm I01 is disengageablyconnected with the shaft by means of a positively acting clutchincluding a shiftable clutch ele- .ment I IS in the form of a sleeveslidably but nonrotatably mounted on the shaft. The face of the clutchelement H5 is formed with diametrically disposed lugs or clutch teethIIB adapted to engage in correspondingly shaped radial slots in theadjacent face of the arm I01. Thus, by shifting the. clutch elements II5 longitudinally of the shaft I09, the arms I01 may be operativelyconnected with the shaft for rotation therewith. When the clutchelements are disengaged when the arms I01 are in the position shown inFig. 6, the shaft may be rotated to position the companion arms in ahorizontal position without disturbing the first mentioned arms. Thus, aclear -path is provided for the transfer of a billet from may beeffected by any suitable means. As here-. in shown, hydraulic means isemployed, this including a piston II1 (Fig. 2) operating in a cylinderII8 mounted on the base 61 adjacent one end of the shaft I09. The pistonis suitably connected with a clutch shifting bar II9 (Fig. 4) whichextends parallel to the shaft I09 and which is slidably supported inbearings formed in the supporting brackets IIO immediately below theshaft. Pinned to the bar II9 adjacent each clutch element H5 is anoperating member I20 having spaced arms I2I engaging in a peripheralgroove I22 in the element H5. The clutch elements II5 are thus free torotate with the shaft and are movable longitudinally of the shaft uponcorresponding movements of the shifting bar H9.

Pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinder I I8 by the pump 48 through acontrol valve V-4 having a plunger I23 shiftable to alternate positionsby solenoids VS-5 and VS-6. A separate valve V4 having operatingsolenoids V-5- and V5 controls the supp y of pressure fluid to thecylinder H8 for actuating the clutches of the companion operating unit66. The operation of thesevalves will be described in detail inconnection with the description of the hydraulic circuit of the machine.

- Rotation of the shaft I09 to rock the arms I01 and I08 for turning thebillet is effected in the present instance by hydraulically actuatedmeans including a piston I25 (Fig. 2) operating in a cylinder I26supported at the rear of the base 61. The piston I25 is connected by apiston rod I21 with a rack I28 engaging a pinion I29 keyed to the shaftI09, as shown in Fig. 4. A housing I30, formed on a bracket I3I boltedor otherwise rigidly secured to one end of the base encloses the pinionand acts as a support and guide for the rack.

The right hand unit 68 is equipped with tumlng mechanism similar in allrespects to the mechanism of the unit 66 including. the" hy-' drauliccylinder I20" and piston I25"- for rotating the turning arm roclgshaft I09. Pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders I20 and I29 by the pump48 through a common control valve grammatic form in Fig. 9. The completehydraulic system of the machine'has been shown together with suchportions of the electrical equipment as are essential to anunderstanding ofthe operation. The control circuits and apparatus forthe metal removing units have been omitted from the drawing since theseare old and well known. Further, the mechanism for controlling thesequence of the operations of the various electrical switches and valvesis merely illustrative, and it is to be understood that any suitablemechanism maybe employed for this purpose. Also, different numbers ofpositions of the main controller may be employed or a differ entsequence of operations may be used depending on the character of thework to be done.

ed suitable cams I43, I44 and I45 for operating the valves V3, V3 andV5, and a series of cams I46 for actuating electrical SWluuI'ieS S-I,

' exert their controlling actions in different angu-- the'cam shaftcooperates.

The control system is arranged with a particular view of enabling thescalping and beveling operation to be performed on billets of generallyrectangular cross section in accordance with a novel method whichutilizes the machine equip ment to best advantage and which reduceshandling of the billets to a minimum. In accordance with this method, abillet is given an initial pass through the metal removing unit therebysimultaneously scalping opposite sides and beveling diagonally oppositecorners. The billet is then turned about its longitudinal axis throughan angle of ninety degrees and passed through the metal removing unit inthis new position. In the second'pass, the other two sides of the billetare scalped and the other two corners are beveled, thus completing thesurfacing of the billet in two passes through the machine.

To avoid unnecessary handling of the billets,

' transfer of a partially or a'completely machined billet from the worktable to the turning mechanism is effected simultaneously with and as anincident to the transfer of a billet from one of the runways or turningmechanisms to the work table. In other words, as one billet is pushedonto the work table, the partially or fully machined billet previouslyoperated on is pushed off the table and onto the turning mechanism. Incase the first billet is only partially machined; it is turned throughan angle of ninety degrees, and after the second billet has completedits first passage through the metal removing unit, the said first billetis pushed back onto the .work table, while the partially machined secondbillet is discharged onto the turning mechanism. After the secondpassage of the first billet through the metal removing unit and when thebillet is completely machined, it is transferred fromlthe work table tothe turning mechanism while the second billet is transferred to the worktable. The first billet is then removed from the machine in any suitablemanner while the third billet is Dositioned on the runway and so onuntil the entire lot of billets is machined to finished condition. Theparticular control system illustrated is designed for' an operatingprogram complete operating cycle of the'machine is executed intwenty-onedistinct steps. These steps are initiated in proper sequence by asequence controller indicated generally at I4I (Figs. 8 and 9) whichmaybe of any suitable character. For the purpose of illustration, thecontrolleris shown as including a cam shaft I42 on which are mount inwhich a- S-I, S-2, 8-2, S3,,S4, S5,,s-5 s-Ii, S---6 and S-'I to controlthe various solenoid operated valves. The cams are shaped so a to larpositions of the cam shaft, there being twentyone such positions, or onefor each step in the machine cycle. For the convenience of theattendant, these steps are indicated by numerals 1-21 on. a dial I48with which a pointer I49 on Means, of a character well known in the artbut not shown herein, may be incorporated with the above "control tointerlock or prevent the operator from selecting the wrong sequence orfrom reversing the sequence.

An operating cycle of the machine will now be described to illustratethe preferred method of carrying out the 'scalping and bevelingoperation, reference being had to Figs. 9 to 19, inclusive, of thedrawings. Preliminarily, to begin an operating cycle, the driving motors39, 39 44 and 44 of the metal removingunit are started in the usualmanner. Motors I5I and I52, which drive the pressure fluid pumps 48 and62, respectively, are also started so as to provide a supply of pressurefluid in the hydraulic system. It will be understood that the work table33 is stopped in retracted or loading position at this time. I

The sequence control device or cam shaft I42 is located in the firstposition in which switches S-2, S-2 S-4, S-Ii, SIi*- and S--l areclosed. Plungers I02 and I32 of valves V3 and V5 are shifted to theirupper positions, and plunger Iuz of valve V---;i is" shifted toits'lowerposition as shown in Fig. 9. Upon application of energizing current, theswitch S-I energizes the solenoid VS-I which opens main valve V6 todirect pressure fluid from the pump 48 into a supply line I53 leading tothevarious control valves. Closure of the remaining switches energizesthe valve operating solenoids VS-2, vsz VS-=-4, VS-Ii and VS--Ii whichoperate their associated valves shown in Fig. 9. With the valves thusset, the

clamping plungers 51 are withdrawn tounclamping positions, the toolheads 4| and M of the metal removing units are retracted, the clutches II5 of the left hand turning mechanism are disengaged, and the clutches II5 for the right hand turning mechanism are engaged.

Due to the setting of the cam operated valves V--3 and VS, the left handtransfer mechanism push rods. 84 are retracted, while the right handtransfer mechanism push rods I34 are advanced. Valve V-'-5 directspressure fluid to the inner ends of the cylinders I25 and I2Ii thuscausing the shafts I09 and Hi9 of both turning mechanisms to be rockedto a position in which the turning arms I08 and I08 are horizontal.Since the clutches II5'are disengaged, the arms I01 remain in theirnormalposition as shown in Fig. 10, while the arms III'I are rocked to avertical position as shown in this figure. The first billet 25 may nowbe pushed along the runway 8| to position it for transfer laterally ontothe work table.

The billet, having runway against the stop 8|, the cam shaft I42 may-bestepped to its second position. The condition of the variouselectricalswitches is unchanged, but the plunger I02 of valve V--3' isshifted to its alternate position to introduce pres-- sure fluid intothe outer end of the cylinder 94 been properly located on the v advanced'to operative position. is also operated to its alternate position whichThe plunger I02 of valve V--3* is shifted to an intermediate position inwhich it blocks the ports to which the line I53 is connected, andconnects both ends of the cylinder 94 to the drain line I54. The pushrods 84 are held in advanced position by the pressure fluid trapped inthe rod end of the cylinder, 94 by the resistance offered by the 'thetrapped pressure fluid against the resistance of the check valve I08 tothe drain branch line- I 54 and thence to the opposite end of thecylinder 94 The force required to push back the rods 84 is determined bythe setting of the valve I08 which can beadjusted as required in a wellknown bevel diagonally opposite corners of the same (see F g. 12). Whilethis operation is taking place, the attendant may push the second billet28' onto the left hand runway and prepare the same for loading onto thetable. After the table has carried the billet past the cutters andstopped, the cam shaft is turned to the sixth position. The switches 8-2and 8-2 are thereby opened and the switches 'S--I and S-I closed causingshifting of the valves V-| and V-I The tool heads 4| and 4| are thusretracted so that the work can be returned to the loading stationwithout danger of being marred by the cutters. The valve V5 is alsooperated at this time thus causing manner The billetis accuratelylocated upon the work table when the push rods 84 reach their limitpositions, the exact position being determined by the length of thetips- 88. The push rods 84 cooperate to hold the billet tightly againstthe tips 88 until the billets are clamped.

Movement of the cam shaft I42 to third position is effective only toclose the switch S-,-3 which energizes solenoid VS-3 and reverses thevalve As .a result, pressure fluid is directed into the upper ends ofthe clamping cylinders 60and the plungers 81 are therebyforceddownwardly to clamp the billet in place upon the work table.

The apparatus is now in the condition shown in Fig. 11.

As soon as the work is rigidly clamped in place,

the controller is turned to thefourth position in which the plungers ofboth transfer valves V-3 and V-I are shifted to direct pressure fluidinto the outerends of the transfer cylinders 94 and 84'. Both sets ofpush rods are therefore retracted.

In the next or fifth position of the controller I, switches S--2-and S2are opened, deenergizing solenoids VS-Z and VS2* and switches S-I andS-I are closed, energizing solenoids VS-I and VS-I. Valves V-I and V---Iare accordingly operated to their alternate positions whereby the toolheads 4| and 4| are The valve V5 with a cam I88 (Fig. 2) adapted actuatea..fee i control switch I88 when the shaft reaches its" limit position.It will beunderstood, of course, that the control switch I88 isinterconnected in to the machine.

the shafts I09 and I09 to turn the arms I08 and I08- back to theirhorizontal position. Due to the disengagement of the clutch III, thearms I01 remain in horizontal position so that the billet 28 may betransferred to the work table. The .clutch 'H8 is, however, engaged andthe arms I01 are raised to vertical position as shown in Fig. 13. As anincident to rotation of the shaft I09, the cam I88 restores the switchI88 (Fig. 8) to its initial position, thereby initiating the return ofthe table; Y

Upon return of the table, the controller shaft may he stepped to seventhposition. Unclamping of the work is thus effected through the opening oftheswitch S8 and closure of switch-S-4 which reverses the position ofthe valve V2.

In the eighth position of the camshaft, valve V-8" is operated toreverse position, to advance the right-hand push rods 84* preparatory totransferring the two billets heretofore delivered I The cam shaft isthen stepped to ninth position 'in which the plunger III of valve V-3'is moved back to its intermediate position whfle the valve V! is fullyoperated to advance the left-hand push rods 84. The billet 25" is thustransferred to the work table, while the partially machined first billet28 is pushed through the intermediary of the second billet off from thework table into the right-hand turning mechanism. The'push rods 84'yield at this time 'due to the action of the check valve I08 in the tionIn which valve V2' is set tooperate the clamping piungers 81. Theapparatus is now in the position shown in Fig. 13., When the cam shaftis stepped to the eleventh position, valves .V-l and V-4 are set toretract both sets of,

push rods.

- In the twelfth position of the cam shaft, valve V.8 is set so that theshafts I08 and I89 turn the arms I08 and- I08 to a vertical position.Since billet 28 was previously transferred to the right-hand turningmechanism, it is lifted by the arms I08 and turned through an angle ofninety degrees in this operation. Shaft I09, on completing its movement,initiates thefeed of the table in the manner previouslydescribed,'wherethe control'circuit of the metal removing unit so,

Thetable is moved first at rapid ,traverse speed to approach'the cuttersand then at feed speed which carries the billet 25 into operativerelationwith the cutters 42, 42 43 and 43, which simultaneouslyscalp'opposite side surfaces and by. the billet 28* is given its firstpass through the metal removing unit.'-The position of the variousmechanisms at this stase. 01? machine cycle is shown in Fig. 14. In thisposition of the controller shaft, the switches 88 and 8-8- are closedand the switches 8-8 and B-flopened. As best shown in Fig. 8, theseswitches are ineffective due to'the open switch I88. This switch isactuated by a cam I81 on the shaft I88! which,

when the arms I08 reach a vertical .position, will closethe switch I88thereby causing 'the solenoids VS-8 and VS-I to be energized andleft-hand set of push rods ing mechanism as shift their respectivevalves. In this position, the

piston Ill will be moved outwardly to disengage the clutch -l l5 whilethe piston I I1 will be moved inwardly to engage the left hand clutchH5.

The cam shaft is now stepped to thirteenth position in which it causes'the shafts I09 and I to turn the arms I08 and I00 to a'horizontalposition. Since the clutch H is engaged,

arms I01 are turned to a vertical position. Arms "the billet. With thework table at the loading station, the cam shaft is stepped to fifteenthposition, operating the valve V-3 to advance the 4 84 into engagementwith the billet 25 on 'the work table. In the sixteenth position of thecam shaft, the plunger l02 of valve V3 is set in its intermediateposition and valve V-3 is set to advance the righthand set of push rods04. The latter push the partially machined billet 25 back onto the worktable and through the medium of this billet transfer the secondpartially machined billet 25 laterally off from the work table onto theleft-hand turning inechanism. Push rods 84 yield at this time but exertsuflicient back pressure to insure accurate positioning of the billet 25on the work table due to the action of the check valve I06. Theapparatus is now in the condition shown in Fis.,l5.

In order to clamp the billet 25 on the work table, the cam shaft isstepped to seventeenth position. In the eighteenth position, both setsof push rods are retracted. In the nineteenth position, the switches S-5and 8-5 are closed and the switches 3-8 and 5-6 are opened and theturning mechanisms operate to raise the arms I08 and I00 to a verticalposition. Billet '25 is turned through an angle of ninety degrees inthis operation and is deposited on the lefthand runway. Shaft I09 startsthe feed mechanism, while the shaft I09 energizes the right-. handclutch H5 and disengages the left-hand clutch H5, as previouslyexplained, upon the completion of the turning operation, and billet 25is thus given its second and final pass through the metal removing unitwhereby the two remaining side surfaces are scalped and the tworemaining corners are beveled. The condition of the apparatus at thistime is shown in Fig. 16. At the termination of the feed cycle, the camshaft is stepped to the twentieth position and the turning arms I08 andl08 -are returned to a horizontal position, the heads retracted, and

, the table returned. The cam shaft is stepped to its twenty-first orlast position billet 25.

Billet 25'is returned to the loading station completely machinedandstill supported on the work table, thus marking the end of the firstoperating cycle of the machine. The next operating cycle is a repetitionof the one above described. Briefly, it involves the transfer of thebillet 25 to the work 'ous transfer of billet 251:0 the right-handturnto unclamp the ing mechanisms the billet 25 on her. In the meantime,a third billet 25 is moved table and the simultaneshown in Fig. 17. Theturn are operated, thus depositing the right-hand runway from which itmay be removed in any suitable ,man- 0 the billet I59, In this case,"one into position on the left-hand runway to await transfer to the worktable.

1 After the second billet 25* is given its second being machinedsuccessively. Each billet is given two passes through the metal removingunit and is tumedthrough an angle of ninety degrees between such passes.All four side surfaces are scalped and all four corners are beveled inthis operation and the finished billet is discharged onto the right-handrunway.

Fig. 20' illustrates the manner of scalping and beveling longitudinallytapered billets such as side surface is scalped and one corner isbeveled in each passage of the billet through the metal removingunit,there being four such passages with a ninety degree turn of thebillet between each passage. One of the tool heads, as for example, the

right-hand head, is accordingly set back to an inoperative position. Inorder to aline the billet 42 and 43,

properly with respect to the cutters the push rods 04 of the right-handset are provided with tips 06 of progressively increasing lengths. Thus,when the billet is initially placed on the work table, it is heldbetween the two sets of push rods with one face and corner disposed in aplane parallel to the path of the cutters .42 and 43. No change isrequired in the clamping mechanism since the clamping plungers 51 areprovided with individual cylinders and the length of stroke is'thusindependent. The transfer of the billets between the runways, tables,and turning mechanisms and the turning operations are carried out in thesame manner as for straight billets, except that each billet must beturned four times.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention provides anovel and eillcient method of handling and scalping large metal billetsquicl rly and efliciently with a minimum number of handling operations.Since one billet may be inserted and prepared for loading onto the tablewhile another billet is ,being scalped, the necessary positioning andhandling operations may be performed on one or more billets whileanother isoccupying the work table. Thus, the equipment is utilizedefficiently and a maximum production capacity is obtained.

prises supporting a billet on a work support with one of itslongitudinal sides exposed, scalpinz said side, pushing said billet of!from said support through the intermediary of a second billet whileleaving the latter billet positioned on said support, scalpinga side ofthe second billet, turning the first billet on its longitudinal axis toexpose a diflerent side thereof, pushing the second billet off from saidsupport through the intermediary of said first billet to position thelatter on said support, scalpingsaid other side of said first billet,turning the second billet on its longitudinal axis to pushing the firstbillet of! from the support through the intrmedi of said second billetand leaving the latterpositioned on said supexpose a second side,

axis to expose a diflerent side thereof, shifting the first billetlaterally in a direction opposite to said first mentioned direction topush the second billet oil from said supp rt and position the firstbillet on the support, scalping said other side of said first billet,turning the second billet on its longitudinal axis to expose a secondside,

shifting the second billet laterally topush-F'the first: billet oil fromsaid support and position the second billet thereon 'andscalping the second side oithe secpnd billet.

3. The method of scalplng billets which comprises supporting a billet ona work support with one oi its longitudinal sides exposed, scalping saidside, shifting a second billet laterally in one direction to push thefirst billet oil from said support and position the first billet on saidsup port, scalping a side of the second'billetgturm in: the firstbilleton its longitudinal waxis to expose a diflerent side thereof, andshifting the first billet laterally in a direction-opposite to saidfirst mentioned direction to push the second billet oil from saidsupport and position the first billet on the support, scalping saidother side oi said first billet.

irThe method oi scalping billets which includes the. steps oi supportinga billet in a predetermined position on a work support with one of itslongitudinal sides exposed, scalping said side, shifting a second billetlaterally to push the first billet oil from said support and locate saidsecond billet in said predetermined position on the'support, andscalping a side oi'the second billet.

5. The method of scalping billets which includes the steps oi supportinga billet in a predetermined position on a work support with one of itslongitudinal sides exposed, scalping said side, shifting a second billetlaterally to push the first billet oil from said support and locate saidsecond billet in said predetermined position on the support, turning thefirst billet on its longi tudinal axis in a direction away from thesec-' ond billet to expose the abutting side of the secondbillet,"scalpi ng such side of the second billet, and shifting. saidfirst billet reversely against the scalped side 0! the second billet tomove the latter oil from said support and position the first billet onthe support with a new side exposed for scalping.

6. The method of scalping billetswhich includes the steps of supportinga billet in'a predetermined position on a work support with one sideexposed, scalpingsaid side, shifting a second billet laterally to pushthe first billet= ofl. from said support and locate said second billetin said predetermined position, turning the first'billet to expose theabutting side oi the second billet,

such si'de oi the second billet.

and scalping ALEXANDER OBERHOFFKEN.

